Sarah F. "Sally" Rainwaters, 81, of Waynedale, a member of Waynedale United Methodist Church, died Saturday, November 24, 2001 at her home. The Amboy native worked for 15 years at General Electric and was a Unit Commissioner for the Boy Scouts of America. She was also past president of America War Mothers. She is survived by son Robert L. Rainwaters, Fort Wayne and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Benjamin F. Rainwaters. Services were held Wednesday, November 28 at Waynedale United Methodist Church with burial in Covington Cemetery. Memorials to the Boy Scouts of America, the church, or the donor's choice.

From Sally Rainwaters' own Private Notes

(as we were best able to decipher them)

I joined Cub Scouts when my son turned 8-years old in San Diego California. It was Pack 354 and I became a Den Mother. My first Pow Wow was 4/18/64 in San Diego at the college. We transferred to Fort Wayne in March of 1966. I was asked to join the Roundtable Staff that year when I was introduced to Roundtable Commissioner Rev. Ed Reynolds. I spent over 25 years (on & off) either on Staff or as a Commissioner.

As a Cub Pack member – I was a Den Mother for 3 years in San Diego. When we came back here I found out Hoagland School needed help. I became a Den Leader (Den mothers are gone because both men and women are leaders now). I also held many positions on Committee and ended up as Cubmaster for many years. The school was torn down. The Scouts transferred to Fairfield. In-School Scouting replaced the regular Cub Program.

On Miami District Staff for about 30 years – Miami District Commissioner, Activities Chairman, Membership Chairman, Program Chairman, etc. School Night for Scouting – Many years co-chaired Pinewood Derby. In 1984 I designed Camp Foellinger's Patch and have designed many certificates and patches over the years.

Scouting History - I've served in some manner in most every program we've had in the years I've been in Scouts from Teaching to Doing / Field Days / Akela Days / Bowling-Bike-O-Rees / Day Camps / Round-Ups / Camp GoHaDaGo / Mom & Me / Genesis Diamond Jubilee Camporee / Pow Wows / & the big year-long Gold Rush / plus Anthony Wayne Council Heritage Scout Circus. I helped put on Council Appreciation Dinners and Eagle Award Dinners and Train The Trainers Program. I was elected to Council Executive Board in October '78. I became Assoc. Member in October '89 and still active.

Region #4 – Area 4 Conference Staff – October '79 and October '82. Woodbadge Training in June '79. Earned Beads in '80. Attended Woodbadge at Greater Cleveland Council. Was in 3rd Class of experimental Cub Woodbadge. Took information of all 3 training classes to make the present program.

Classes and camping at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico – Roundtable (Cub) in August '75 – Membership Relations in July '81 – Retention in July '90 – Roundtable Conference August '93 (Took whole family).

Today, we are mourning the loss of Sally Rainwaters. Sally was a long time Scouter and was a district commissioner. Sally was the recipient of the District Award of Merit from Miami District as well as being a Commissioner of the Year. She had received The Silver Beaver, the Religious Emblem of Faith, Training Keys, and was a Distinguished Commissioner. She was also a recipient of a James E. West Fellowship and completed the Woodbadge course.

Sally served on the Pow Wow Committee for many years as well as the District Training Committee. Sally was a leader in Packs 3344 and 3044 as well as Troop 344. Sally was a dedicated Scouter and we will all miss her very much.

When I heard the news, I felt like a piece of me had died. I had just gotten back into Waynedale after having spent a week deer hunting at Salamonie Reservoir about 50 miles south of here. My wife said, "Sally Rainwaters passed away." I'm not ashamed to say this, "I broke down and cried." I didn't cry for Sally; I cried for me. Thinking it had just happened, I set my mind to 1)get showered, 2)go to the funeral home for visitation, 3)shake Bob Rainwaters' hand, give him a hug, tell him how much I loved his mother, and 4)say one last 'Farewell' to my friend and Scouting buddy, Sally Rainwaters.

I asked about the funeral. Joanne said that it was too late; Sally had passed away the day after I left town and was buried the Wednesday before I got home. I felt cheated. I had last seen Sally at the monthly Miami District Boy Scout/Cub Scout Roundtable meeting. As usual she hugged me or I hugged her; I'm not sure who hugged who. We always did that. I guess it's an Irish/Indian tradition. Little did I know it would be our last hug and it was going to have to last me the rest of my life. Goodbye Sally; I'll miss your coming into THE WAYNEDALE NEWS to visit, your hugs, your forever smile, and your dedication to Scouting. I gathered a lot of strength and Scouting knowledge from you. You were one 'Positive' Lady. Thank you; I love you.

Author: The Waynedale News Staff

About This Author

Our in-house staff members work with community members and our local writers to find, write and edit the latest and most interesting news worthy stories. This is your community newspaper, we are always looking for local stories that interest you.Read More...